Iran and Palestinian-Israeli Peace

The rise of Iran has made the timing ripe for a new strategy for an Israeli-Palestinian peace. Here’s why: The primary divide in the Middle East is between the forces of moderation and those of extremism. Iran and the radicalism it supports has created a potential alliance among moderate Palestinians, Israelis and the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the gulf states. And, it’s in all of their interest to work now for a comprehensive solution.

The good news is that Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni are spearheading an ambitious new diplomatic initiative for achieving such a peace. Their strategy is to put aside the step-by-step road map, which requires that the Palestinians dismantle their terrorist infrastructure before any new phase of negotiations begins, and instead leap right to final-status talks with moderate Palestinians about what a two-state solution would look like. If a suitable framework for a Palestinian state is reached, Abbas would then go to his people with a referendum: Do you want it or not? He is convinced that more than 70% would vote yes, thus marginalizing the Hamas resisters. Olmert would do the same, and probably get close to the same support.

The region needs this breakthrough. Hope they succeed.